Validation Project Lead – Vehicle & Propulsion Controls

About the role

Join a high-impact engineering team responsible for delivering validated, production-ready propulsion control software across both internal combustion (ICE) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) programs. As a Validation Project Lead, you will drive end-to-end validation strategy, ensuring complete test coverage, software readiness, and technical integrity for vehicle propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop Design Verification Plans (DVPs) to ensure full validation coverage aligned with program milestones and release targets
• Lead validation strategy for ICE and BEV propulsion control systems, including risk-based test planning and edge-case scenario identification
• Evaluate and refine system and software requirements to ensure testability, completeness, and traceability
• Define and coordinate optimal validation environments (HIL, SIL, bench, vehicle) to maximize efficiency and defect detection
• Drive issue identification, pre-analysis, and root cause investigations in collaboration with Controls, Calibration, and Diagnostics teams
• Ensure execution of validation and qualification testing activities in alignment with quality standards and program timing
• Provide clear reporting on validation status, risks, and coverage to support data-driven release decisions
• Collaborate cross-functionally to mitigate technical risks and improve system robustness prior to production release

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
• 8 or more years of experience in powertrain controls validation, verification, or embedded systems development
• Experience developing and executing Design Verification Plans (DVPs) for propulsion or automotive systems
• Strong understanding of propulsion systems (ICE and/or BEV), including sensors, actuators, and control strategies
• Experience with HIL and vehicle testing environments, including test execution and issue investigation
• Proven ability to perform root cause analysis and support issue resolution
• Experience working in a cross-functional engineering environment (e.g., Controls, Calibration, Diagnostics)
• Strong communication skills and ability to report test results and validation status

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or System Engineering from an ABET accredited university
• Experience leading or owning validation strategy and DVP development across programs or platforms
• Strong system-level understanding of both ICE and BEV propulsion architecture
• Experience selecting and optimizing validation environments (HIL, vehicle, SIL) based on test objectives
• Knowledge of OBD diagnostics, DTC strategies, and regulatory requirements (e.g., SAE J1979, J1699)
• Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and safety-related validation requirements
• Experience identifying and validating edge-case scenarios and failure modes in complex systems
• Demonstrated ability to drive issue resolution across teams and influence technical decisions
• Experience with ALM tools (e.g., DNG, Quality Manager) and requirements/test traceability
• Ability to assess and communicate validation coverage, technical risk, and release readiness
• Experience working in a multi-program, fast-paced development environment with competing priorities

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and well-being coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug) from day one
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential personal and professional support
• Family-building benefits, including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy
• 17+ paid holidays, including year-end shutdown (December 24th through New Year’s Day)
• Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time, and fully paid parental leave
• Competitive retirement savings plans with employer match and contribution (401k, Roth, Catch-Up)
• Income protection and insurance options (life insurance, group accident, critical illness, etc.)
• Company vehicle lease program with insurance, maintenance, and unlimited miles for eligible employees and families
• Exclusive discounts on Stellantis products
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours annually for community engagement